The Cayman Islands have some of the best dive spots in the world, but did you know there were mermaids? This and six other quirky Grand Cayman attractions make this Caribbean island a Getaway Maven favorite.
Things To Do In Grand Cayman
DIVE: Underwater Mermaid Statue
Amphitrite, the 9-foot-tall bronze mermaid known as the Siren of Sunset Reef, is found 55 feet deep in the coral reef offshore at Sunset House Hotel.
Created by Canadian artist Simon Morris, the piece was named by a fourteen-year-old girl who won a trip to the islands for her contest entry. The resort offers diving packages to this and other sites as well as hosting the Cathy Church Photo Center where you can rent underwater cameras and learn how to use them.
Locals also recommend diving with Ambassador Divers, “Grand Cayman’s premier valet dive operator.”
GO: Stingray City
One of the most popular cruise ship excursions, Stingray City brings guests up close and personal with stingrays in shallow waters that are so clear you’ll question whether or not you’re in a natural pool.
Multiple tour groups–we went with Red Sail Sports–offer boat trips to Stingray City. Standing on a sandbar in shallow water, visitors interact with southern stingrays.
The only way to have a more exciting marine encounter would be to go to Hawaii to go snorkeling with Manta Rays.
Dozens of the creatures congregate at this feeding spot, and some are so accustomed to humans that they allow people to handle them.
DO: Bareback Swim
A horseback ride on a deserted beach is the stuff of dreams, but in Grand Cayman you can kick it up a notch. Pampered Ponies Riding Tours will let experienced riders gallop on the shore in Barker’s National Park, and even novice riders can experience the amazing feeling of riding bareback into the ocean.
VISIT: Hell
Get your passport stamped at the most unlikely destination: Hell. Named for limestone formations that are now embellished with a statuette of the devil, the attraction boasts a gift shop, photo portrait stations, and, of course, a post office so that you can send a postcard from the underworld.
SEE: Cayman Shoe Tree
Begun as a cautionary statement about litter and recycling, the Cayman Shoe Tree makes for an interesting roadside attraction and colorful backdrop for a photo opportunity.
RELAX: Rum Point
Named for the rum barrels that once washed ashore from shipwrecks, Rum Point Club’s claim to fame is the invention of the Mudslide. As the story goes, the Wreck Bar came up with the idea of replacing the cream in a White Russian, and so a star was born.
Today, Rum Point is a fun beachside hang out spot, with good snorkeling, great food, and even better drinks.
GO: Seven Mile Beach
As one of the most popular spots in Grand Cayman, it might be a stretch to place Seven Mile Beach on a list of unusual attractions. Except that, despite the name, Seven Mile Beach is actually 5.5 miles long–more than long enough that you can find plenty of quiet corners, especially in early morning.
HIKE: Mastic Trail
Explore one of the Caribbean’s untouched old-growth forests on the Mastic Trail guided tour offered by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. The hiking trail is a little over two miles long and can take up to three hours to walk, with opportunities to encounter the native Parrot, West Indian Woodpecker, and/or Caribbean Dove amidst rare trees such as Cedar, Mahogany, and the massive Mastic.
Grand Cayman Restaurants
EAT: Sunshine Grill
Relaxed, open-air restaurant by ocean’s edge, right by the Underground Mermaid Statue dive. Best Burgers, Fish Tacos, and Painkillers on the island.
EAT: Vivine’s Kitchen
Excellent local food served at seaside open patio; arrive early for best selection. On the East End, it’s a far cry from popular franchise restaurants near Seven Mile Beach.
Locals also recommend:
- Peppers Bar & Grill
- Craft F&B Co.
- Rackam’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
- Guy Harvey’s Restaurant
- Chicken! Chicken!
Hotels In Grand Cayman
VALUE: Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach
Best value on the island, this Comfort Suites is located right off the very popular Seven Mile Beach. A short pathway takes guests to the beach where they find complimentary beach lounge chairs and a beach attendant to raise shady umbrellas.
STAY: Cayman Sunset at Coconut Bay
Comfort and easy access to excellent diving makes these townhouse-style condos a great choice for families and larger groups. Located a good distance from the action near Seven Mile Beach, this is where to go if you prefer a quieter vacation.
LUXURY: Palm Heights
Newly reopened under a new brand in 2019 (formerly Beach Suites) this boutique hotel attracts a glamorous clientele. Guests rave about spacious suite-style rooms, excellent location on Seven Mile Beach, and unparalleled service.
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- Nassau, Bahamas; Fun In Paradise Island
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